Government People Group
Here is a list of all the schemes currently accredited by the Civil Service Commission with contact details.
Find the right scheme for you today.
See opportunities for Autistic people
See opportunities for people with special needs
See opportunities for care leavers
See opportunities for young people
See opportunities for people with experience of the criminal justice system
See opportunities for people from areas of low social mobility
See opportunities for Veterans and military spouses/partners
Opportunities for Autistic people
Autistic Hiring Programme
The MoD Autism Hiring Programme is specifically designed to help people with Autism into Employment.
Individuals can experience barriers to employment because they find it hard to compete through fair and open competition due to a range of challenges including possible lack of qualifications and/or work experience.
The programme works with partners associated with the National Autistic Society (NAS) to recruit people with Autism into roles in the MOD.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: DESHR-SD-TalentAcquisition@mod.gov.uk
GFiE Scheme for Autistic People
The GFiE Scheme for Autistic People offers employment opportunities across the civil service, working with delivery partners from the public and voluntary sector including the Civil Service ‘Autism Exchange’ to bring brilliant new voices into the Civil Service.
The Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) Scheme for Autistic People is currently being piloted with Civil Service Autism Exchange Programme, and provides work experience opportunities in the Civil Service. All referrals for this scheme come via the Autism Exchange Internship Programme (AEIP) and we are not currently accepting any direct requests for this scheme, individuals must have completed a placement on the AEIP to utilise the scheme.
This scheme offers Cross Government roles, the scheme is Active
Contact us: gfie@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Opportunities for people with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)
Supported Internships
The DfE Supported Internships is specifically designed to help people with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND) for the world of work.
The programme supports those engaged with partners associated with Health Education England. The candidates will be sourced through this network, via a supported internship. Which has been available for all post-16 ESFA funded education providers since Sept 2013. The internship is a structured study programme based at an employer and is normally unpaid, lasting up to a minimum of six months. Where possible they support the young person moving into paid employment at the end of the programme.
This scheme offers Cross Government roles, the scheme is Active
Contact us: fiona.taylor@education.gov.uk
WorkFit scheme
The Workfit Scheme for the Department of Health & Social Care (DHSC) provides supportive employment opportunities within DHSC to help people with Down’s Syndrome to expand their experience and learn new skills.
Individuals can experience barriers to employment because individuals with Down’s Syndrome may find it extremely difficult to compete in fair and open competition without being significantly disadvantaged because of their disability.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: chris.sharp@dhsc.gov.uk
Defra WorkFit
The GFiE Life Chance Recruitment Scheme for Defra WorkFit is specifically designed to help people who have Down’s Syndrome. This cohort can experience barriers to employment because of lack of opportunities, low expectations, stereotyping and other negative attitudes.
The programme works with the Down’s Syndrome Association to provide supportive employment placements to help expand experience and learn new skills. WorkFit is geared towards building individuals’ confidence and providing professional development opportunities which may lead to permanent roles. When a suitable vacancy arises, candidates for the scheme are sourced through the Down’s Syndrome Association.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: nicola.coombes@defra.gov.uk
Opportunities for Care Experienced People
Support for Care Leavers Scheme
This scheme recruits experienced young people into roles in the Welsh Government. The scheme supports Care Leavers aged 16 – 17 years old leaving care, providing individuals with employment opportunities to gain temporary employment.
Individuals can experience barriers to employment as individuals leaving care, and who have faced the circumstances they have in earlier life, may be disadvantaged in a highly competitive recruitment environment which is unlikely to be fruitful for them. The programme will target those engaged with partners associated with Voice for Care Cymru.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: Jamie.Westcombe@gov.wales
Care Leavers Internship Scheme
The GFiE Civil Service Care Leavers Internship Scheme is a flagship scheme which gives care leavers the chance to benefit from up to 18 months paid internship in a central Government department/agency, with the possibility of the post being made permanent at the end of the 12 months.
Care leavers apply directly via the Civil Service Jobs Portal and are eligible if they:
- are aged between 18-30
- were eligible for a leaving care support package when they left care
- satisfy the Civil Service Nationality requirements
No qualifications are required for this internship and apprenticeships may be offered as part of some roles.
This scheme offers Cross Government roles, the scheme is Active
Contact us: Leavers.CARE@education.gov.uk
Life Chance scheme for Care Leavers
The GFiE Life Chance Employment Scheme for Care Experienced People is designed to match candidates who face barriers to employment into civil service roles.
It is aimed at young people leaving care and who are engaged with Local Authority care provisions.
Candidates are referred via Local Authorities and individuals provided opportunities for roles within the Civil Service.
This scheme offers Cross Government roles, the scheme is Active
Contact us: gfie@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Opportunities for young people
DfE Traineeships
Department for Education (DfE) Traineeship scheme is specifically designed to help young individuals aged 18-24 year olds, who are unemployed and lack the experience to move into sustainable work or apprenticeships in the Department for Education. DfE work with local training/ providers to find the right individuals to offer traineeship opportunities to.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: Sophie.SINGH@education.gov.uk
Movement to Work Scheme
The Department for Work & Pensions (DWP) was a founding member of Movement to Work in 2013. Since then, the initiative has been rolled out across government departments and the Civil Service is one of the largest providers of work placement opportunities for young people.
In November 2023 DWP were given accreditation to run ‘Movement to work Recruitment’ as a Going Forward into Employment (GFiE) Life Chances Scheme across the Civil Service.
The ‘Movement to Work Recruitment’ scheme is a two-week work experience placement within the Civil Service that can potentially lead to a temporary fixed term appointment role for up to 24 months and the possibility of permanent employment at 12 months.
Eligibility
- Aged 16-30 who are Not in Education, Employment or Training (NEET)
- Right to work in the Civil Service (Civil Service Nationality Rules) Civil Service recruitment: nationality rules – GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
All potential candidates are sourced from our Job centres customers – if individuals are in receipt of unemployment benefits such as Universal Credit, job Seekers Allowance, or Employment and Support Allowance, they should speak to their assigned work coach in the job centre. They will check for available placements in the local area.
This scheme offers Cross Government roles, the scheme is Active
Contact us: movementtowork.team@dwp.gov.uk
Opportunities for Young Adults Scheme
The scheme provides Apprenticeships/Work Trial Opportunities for Young Adults from Barnardo’s and is specifically designed to help people who are vulnerable Young Adults, who can experience barriers to employment because of lack of life skills and experience in employment.
The programme works with those engaged with partners associated with Barnado’s, the UK’s largest children’s charity.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: Brenda.Powis@ukhsa.gov.uk
Modern Apprentice Scheme
The Modern Apprentice Scheme was launched by the Scottish Courts and Tribunal Service (SCTS) in partnership with Barnardo’s, and is specifically designed to help people who are young adults from challenging backgrounds enter roles in the Scottish Courts & Tribunals Service.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: dbeagley@scotcourts.gov.uk
Springboard
The HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC) Springboard scheme offers roles to young people through a unique apprenticeship programme for disadvantaged young people aged 16-18, who attend Alternative Provision (APUs) or Pupil Referral Units (PRUs.) We work with the APU/RPUs to jointly assess and select individuals who may then be deemed suitable to be offered an Apprenticeship and Fixed Term Appointment under the scheme.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: outreachteamadmin@hmrc.gov.uk
School Apprenticeship Programme
The School Apprenticeship Programme in Companies House is specifically designed to help people who are from minority ethnic backgrounds, who have completed compulsory education up to the age of 16 and want to enter the world of work, Companies House work closely with three schools and local community groups in Cardiff.
Individuals experience barriers to employment because for some students, English is not their first language, and therefore they may find the application process, applying to the Civil Service challenging.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: rfrost@companieshouse.gov.uk
Opportunities for people with experience of the criminal justice system
Probation Employment Pathway
The Ministry of Justice (MOJ) Probation Employment Pathway (PEP) scheme supports individuals who experience barriers to employment due to the nature of the criminal background and their interactions with the Criminal Justice system.
The scheme offers employment within the Probation Service on a 2-year fixed-term appointment, outside of fair and open recruitment, building upon the success of the GFiE Prison Leavers scheme by broadening the eligibility to applicants who:
- Have been released from a custodial sentence within the last 10 year
- Have been convicted of a community sentence within the last 10 years
- Have received a conditional discharge within the last 10 years
- Have received an out of court disposal within the last 10 years
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Active
Contact us: gfie@justice.gov.uk
Life Chance scheme for People with Convictions
The GFiE Life Chance Employment Scheme for People with Convictions is designed to match candidates who face barriers to employment into civil service roles.
The scheme is open to:
- prison leavers and people who have been released within a five-year period and are on licence, fully engaged and complying with probation
- people who have received a community sentence or order within the last 5 years’
- people who are within 5 years of receiving a suspended sentence
Read more about Prison Leaver recruitment
GFiE works with New Futures Network and Prisons across the UK to identify candidates.
This scheme offers Cross Government roles, the scheme is Active
Contact us: gfie@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Opportunities for people from areas of low social mobility
Diversifying CPS Careers
Diversifying CPS Careers is specifically designed to help young people from organisations who work with individuals from areas of low social mobility, and who meet specific challenging criteria. The scheme offers both paralegal apprenticeships and a wider range of apprenticeships in, for example, HR and Commercial and Procurement.
Completion of the paralegal apprenticeship leads to a recognised apprenticeship qualification. Paralegal Assistants support CPS Crown Prosecutors in the Crown and Magistrates Court. This practical experience gained in this role, coupled with the qualification will provide an excellent foundation for anyone wishing to pursue a legal Career. The programme works with The Sutton Trust, Social Mobility Business Partnership and the Anthony Walker Foundation to find candidates and provide opportunities for roles in CPS.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: Vicky.Readman@cps.gov.uk
Enable Scheme
The DVLA Enable scheme supports individuals with disabilities, impairments and long-term health conditions, who do identify as being from a lower socio-economic background and have struggled to find work.
DVLA support external community contacts and organisations in the Swansea and Birmingham area; to identify potential candidates who find it difficult to enter the world of work locally, and who would struggle to apply for our roles through our new usual recruitment channels.
Roles offered in DVLA Swansea are at Administrative Assistant (AA) and Administrative Officer (AO) grade on a Fixed Term Appointment (FTA) for a minimum of 12 months, with an option to extend temporarily for up to 2 years. There may be opportunities for permanent employment after the first 12 months of the appointment.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: karys.dermody@dvla.gov.uk
Social Mobility Apprenticeship Programme
Social mobility apprentices work towards an accredited apprenticeship at level 2 or level 3, depending on their ability. They may also complete Functional skills as part of their apprenticeship.
DWP also work with schools, to identify school leavers who meet specific Social Mobility criteria and offer out the Social Mobility apprenticeship opportunities to those who are:
- 16 to 18 years old (or will be by September)
- Not going onto further education, employment, or training
- From a low-income household
- Expectations of up to seven GCSEs
- Complex circumstances that create disadvantage
Applications are encouraged from school leavers with disabilities, those in Pupil Referral units/alternative education as well as T-level completers.
This Scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Active
Contact us: Apprenticeship.Team@dwp.gov.uk
Work Experience to Work Ready Scheme
Working with the Department for Work and Pensions and engaged associated partners, the Work Experience to Work Ready scheme is specifically designed to help people who are claiming unemployment benefits, gain meaningful employment through offering work experience placements at Companies House.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: rfrost@companieshouse.gov.uk
Pathway to Employment
This scheme provides opportunities to people from lower socio-economic backgrounds in order to create a more diverse talent pool that will benefit both employers and employees.
By collaborating with partners including Life Chances, the Schools Outreach Network, Princes Trust, and Not Going to Uni, Defra partners with organisations that support the ethos of our programme.
The scheme provides developmental opportunities to individuals of all ages but is primarily designed to support those who may have not considered/undertaken learning due to socio-economic factors rather than personal ability.”
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: Aldean.Newman-Agar@defra.gov.uk
MHCLG Civil Service Masterclass
The GFiE Civil Service Masterclass scheme focuses on enhancing social mobility for MHCLG and the wider Civil Service within the Liverpool City region, Greater Manchester, County Durham and Darlington locations.
The scheme works with local authority partners, organisations and charities to refer individuals aged 19 years and over from areas of low social mobility who meet the specific criteria, for a 2-week face to face programme.
Appointments via this scheme will be offered on a Fixed Term Appointment basis for up to a period of 24 months at AO and EO entry level, subject to role requirements. There may also be opportunities for permanent employment after the first 12 months of the appointment.
The Scheme offers Cross Government roles, the scheme is Active.
Contact us: recruitment@communities.gov.uk
Social Mobility Apprenticeship Programme
The scheme provides opportunities for young unemployed candidates from low socio economic backgrounds, working with Jobcentres, learning providers and charities to fill vacancies in Department for Energy, Security and Net Zero (DESNZ) & Department for Science Innovation and Technology (DSIT).
The scheme is for people aged 16 or over registered unemployed, lacking in qualifications and with little or no work history and who are from lower socio economic backgrounds.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Not Currently Active
Contact us: callum.Curtis@energysecurity.gov.uk
Employability in Scotland
Working in partnership with Local Authorities, the scheme delivers tailored, high quality pre-employment support to vulnerable individuals, who as a consequence of social barriers and status, face significant obstacles securing and remaining in employment, and operates as a pathway into and provides opportunities to those individuals engaged with partners associated with a range of private, public and third sector delivery partners. Tailored support would be provided to specific individuals as required.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Active
Contact us: ruth.dickson@gov.scot
Pathway to Employment
GFiE Home Office Pathways to Employment provides job opportunities and genuine work experience within the Home Office for candidates from low socio-economic backgrounds.
The Home Office collaborates with the Department for Work and Pensions (DWP), Jobcentres, learning providers and charities to identify suitable candidates using a low socio-economic criterion.
The programme offers a Fixed Term Appointment for up to 24 Months within the Home Office at entry level AO and EO grades. There may also be an opportunity for permanent employment after the first 12 months of the appointment, this is subject to a permanent vacancy being available, the individual meeting the Civil Service performance standards and passing a light-touch assessment.
This scheme offers Departmental roles only, the scheme is Active.
Contact us: HORCSpecialistResourcingSupportOfflineAppointments@homeoffice.gov.uk
Opportunities for Carers
Opportunities for Veterans and Military Spouses/partners
Life Chance scheme for Carers
The GFiE Life Chance Employment Scheme is designed to match candidates who face barriers to employment into civil service roles.
Working with Carers Trust to identify Young Adult Carers or former young adult carers who have had their opportunity to access education and training impacted by their caring role as well as Carers who are now ready to enter the workplace following time out of work because of caring responsibilities.
This scheme offers Cross Government roles, the scheme is Active
Contact us: gfie@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Life Chance scheme for Veterans and Military Spouses/Partners
This scheme is for Veterans, Service Leavers and Spouses or Partners of Military personnel who meet the criteria and must:
- Be a Veteran of the Armed Forces
- Be in your resettlement period and due to leave the Armed Forces within a reasonable timeframe to take up a new role
- Military Spouse/Partner: Your current partner must still be serving OR must have been discharged within the last 12 months.
This scheme offers Cross Government roles, the scheme is Active
Contact us: gfie@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Opportunities for people within Professions
Stepping into Communications (GCS Internship Scheme)
The GFiE Stepping into Communications Scheme supports individuals from disadvantaged backgrounds via a paid internship which provides an accessible entry route into the communications profession across the civil service.
The programme will work with a range of voluntary sector delivery providers for targeted outreach and recruitment.
The Internship programme will offer a 12-month placement in a communications role within a government department via a Fixed Term Appointment at the EO grade, subject to role requirements. There may also be opportunities to extend this, and for permanent employment after the first 12 months of the appointment, this is subject to a permanent vacancy being available, and the intern passing their probation and meeting the Civil Service EO performance standards
The Scheme offers Cross Government roles, the scheme is Active.
Contact us: gcs-internship@cabinetoffice.gov.uk
Pathways to STEM Programme
The GFiE Pathways to STEM Programme supports individuals facing barriers, and from underrepresented groups by providing education, technical skills and employment opportunities across the Civil Service through Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematical (STEM) roles.
The programme works with a range of organisations, charities and delivery providers to connect with individuals facing barriers to employment in STEM.
The programme offers a Fixed Term Appointment for 12 to 24 Months within a Government Department at entry level AO and EO grades. There may also be an opportunity for permanent employment after the first 12 months of the appointment, this is subject to a permanent vacancy being available and the individual meeting the Civil Service performance standards.
The Scheme offers Cross Government roles, the scheme is Active.
Contact us: GFiE@ipo.gov.uk
Success Stories
Hear from people who have been placed in roles via GFiE schemes and what it’s meant for them.
About GFiE
Learn about Going Forward into Employment and how it works.